cauliflower

noun

cau·​li·​flow·​er ˈkȯ-li-ˌflau̇(-ə)r  ˈkä- 

-lē-

often attributive

: a garden plant (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) related to the cabbage and grown for its compact edible head of usually white undeveloped flowers

also : its flower cluster used as a vegetable

Examples of cauliflower in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Broccoli Broccoli, like cauliflower and cabbage, is a cruciferous vegetable. — Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 13 Aug. 2026

However, denser vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, cauliflower, carrots, and Brussels sprouts benefit from 30 minutes to 1 hour, Gavin says. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 13 Aug. 2026

To make this gluten-free, replace the couscous with 1 1/2 cups cooked rice or quinoa, or skip the grains entirely and stir in 2 cups cauliflower rice with the peppers and beef. — ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026

Green Thumb Salad Spot will serve salads from classics like the Caesar to house specialties like an option with roasted cauliflower, sweet potato, avocado, grains, herbs and house dressing. — Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Italian cavolfiore, from cavolo cabbage (from Late Latin caulus, from Latin caulis stem, cabbage) + fiore flower, from Latin flor-, flos — more at cole, blow

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cauliflower

• cauliflower ear
• Romanesco cauliflower

Rhymes for cauliflower

• candlepower
• overpower
• superpower
• vavasour
• waterpower
• airpower
• brainpower
• devour
• empower
• firepower
• horsepower
• manpower

Kids Definition

cauliflower

noun

cau·​li·​flow·​er ˈkȯ-li-ˌflau̇(-ə)r 

: a garden plant closely related to the cabbage and grown for its compact edible head of usually white undeveloped flowers